West Melton: Wine, Gardens and Nature

West Melton combines wine, herbs and truffle experiences with nature activities in the town and nearby. When planning a stay, it is particularly helpful to distinguish between seasonal truffle tastings and a guided tour that can be arranged by appointment. Outdoors, you can also enjoy a range of different settings: forest trails, riverbanks and shared-use paths.

Wine, Herbs and Truffles in West Melton

The restaurant at Melton Estate showcases fresh local ingredients, paired with the estate’s wines. Visitors can taste wine at the cellar door. Check the current visitor arrangements before your visit. This helps you understand the restaurant and wine tasting as two separate offerings at Melton Estate.

The Herbal Garden is a two-acre property in West Melton where culinary and medicinal herbs are grown. Casa Rossa offers a different perspective on gardens, with garden tours in West Melton. Those interested in plants can therefore find both a place where herbs are grown and a dedicated tour focused on gardens.

Bianchetto truffle harvests take place annually at Borchii Park between June and September. Visitors can also taste fresh truffles from June to September; confirm seasonal availability before booking. A personal tour introducing visitors to truffle cultivation in New Zealand is available by appointment at any time of year. The harvest and tastings are therefore seasonal, while the tour offers a different way to learn about truffle cultivation.

Forest Trails and Riverbanks

West Melton Forest offers scenic trails for riders of all experience levels. Walkers and runners are also welcome, but horses have priority. The Kowhai Savannah in the forest features native grassland, native trees and shrubs, as well as endangered mosses, lichens and other plants. This combines the use of the trails with a landscape where native vegetation also plays a part.

At the nearby Waimakariri River, you can picnic, go boating and fish. The Willows is a recreation area near West Melton on the banks of the Waimakriri River. It has a shared walking and cycling path, as well as fishing spots. So the nearby area offers both opportunities for river activities and paths shared by walkers and cyclists.

More Travel Interests in the Selwyn District

In the wider Selwyn District destination, St Paul’s Anglican Church and the old Tai Tapu Library were both completed in 1932. Construction of both buildings was funded largely by Sir Heaton Rhodes, who lived nearby at Otahuna. The Rakaia Gorge Walking Track follows the edge of the gorge through striking geological features, including lava flows of rhyolite, pitchstone and andesite.

The Selwyn District’s landforms also include the striking limestone formations of Kura Tāwhiti/Castle Hill. The area is of particular significance to Ngāi Tahu and is considered a world-class destination for climbing and bouldering. Cave Stream is a 594-metre-long cave in Cave Stream Scenic Reserve. Two short paths lead to the entrances, and you can walk through the cave between them; conditions inside the cave require care.

Other offerings in the Selwyn District vary by activity and location: Alpine Jet Thrills offers JetBoat and AirBoat experiences from Springfield. Lincoln Farmer’s & Craft Market offers produce sourced entirely from the region and handmade crafts. Check the dates before visiting the market, as the schedule may change; it is also advisable to confirm that the JetBoat and AirBoat experiences are currently operating.

Discover more destinations: Rakaia, Lincoln University, Little River, Diamond Harbour, Waipara, Lake Pearson, Springfield, Waiau.

For the wider travel overview: Canterbury.